Some of the More Common STIs: Chlamydia, Herpes, Gonorrhea and HIV

Chlamydia: Caused by bacteria. It is very common among teenagers and young adults. You can get chlamydia if you have unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone already infected. It can be cured with antibiotics.

Herpes: An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV, types 1 and 2. They can cause painful sores around the mouth, called cold sores. They can also cause sores on the genitals, or genital herpes. The ways people get herpes include:

By kissing someone who has a cold sore;

You may get herpes in your genital area if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores;

You may also get herpes in your eyes, mouth and genitals by touching the sores.

Herpes can not be cured, but there are medications that may help prevent outbreaks.

Gonorrhea: Caused by bacteria. It can infect the penis, rectum, throat, eyes, or cervix. You can get gonorrhea if you have unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone already infected. It can be cured with antibiotics.

HIV: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks your body's immune system leaving it unable to fight certain infections.

You can only get HIV by having the virus enter your bloodstream. It can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. You can get HIV by having unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), by sharing needles or other drug-use equipment and razors or toothbrushes that have blood on them. You have to get a special blood test to see if you have HIV.